Post-Secondary Scholarships

Through many generous donors, EAA awards more than $75,000 in scholarships for students attending a post-secondary institution with a focus on aviation, including pilot training, aeronautics engineering, aviation management, airframe and powerplant (A&P) maintenance, and more.

Apply NowDeadline: March 1, 2024 at 12:00 pm Eastern Standard Time EST

All applications are reviewed against the criteria for the individual scholarships and then awarded to those who show the greatest potential to be actively engaged in aviation. 

Awards are made up of the following funds:

Tips for Submitting Your Best Application

  • Start early and don’t miss the deadline.
  • Read the requirements and follow all directions, paying attention to the details.
  • Proofread and review thoroughly before submission. Ensure your answers have correct grammar and spelling.
  • Provide detailed answers to the essay questions that describe how you stand out from other applicants.
  • Being a member of EAA and a member of an EAA chapter will make your application stand out.
  • Volunteering for local organizations, both aviation and non-aviation related, will also highlight your application to the selection committee.
Frequently Asked Questions

What does a scholarship cover?

Flight training scholarships may be used to cover costs at any flight training school in the United States and Canada that is not a university program.

Post-secondary scholarships may be used to cover costs for collegiate level programs in the United States including, but not limited to: aerospace or aeronautical engineering, aviation business administration, air traffic control, aviation maintenance, professional flight, or any aviation-related STEM field.


Do I have to be an EAA member to apply?

You do not need to be a current EAA member to apply for a scholarship.


Do I have to currently be enrolled in a program to apply?

For flight training scholarships, if you are not currently in a program, we urge you to contact the flight training school as soon as possible. Scholarship funds must be used by February 28 following the year of awarding. This means you must complete the certification or rating you are pursuing before this date.

We award post-secondary scholarships to both current and incoming students. Scholarship funds must be used by February 28 following the year of awarding, meaning you must be enrolled at your chosen educational institution before that date.


Do I have to currently be enrolled in a program to apply?

We encourage individuals from all countries to apply. However, all scholarship awards must be used at a flight training school within the United States or Canada.


What are the age requirements to apply for a flight training scholarship?

You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a flight training or post-secondary scholarship.


What are the eligibility criteria to be awarded a scholarship?

Selection criteria varies based on individual scholarships; please use the links above to read about all our individual scholarships.


When can I apply for a flight training scholarship?

Applications open November 1 every year and close March 1.


Are you strict about the application deadline?

Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. No exceptions will be made for missing the final application deadline.


Does the application require a recommendation?

On your application, you will be asked to enter the name of one non-relative character reference. Once you submit your application, your reference will be sent a link to complete the online recommendation. Please ask your reference to complete the recommendation before the application deadline. Applications will be considered late and will not be accepted if the recommendation is not complete by the deadline.


Does the application require a copy of my transcripts?

For post-secondary scholarships, you will be asked to upload the most recent copy of your transcripts. The transcript should include the name of the school, all the courses you have taken, and the grade you earned in each course. It should also include your cumulative, unweighted grade point average (GPA). Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.


What GPA should I use?

Your GPA should be unweighted using a 4.00 scale.


Will I be notified when my application was received?

You will receive an automatic email notification when your application has been submitted.


When will I be notified if I am selected for a scholarship?

All winners and non-winners will receive an email sent to the email address listed on your application shortly after May 1st. Please list an email address that you check often! If you have not received an email, please check your spam folder.


What are the next steps if I am awarded a scholarship?

If you win a scholarship, you will be sent an email with documents for completion. Once EAA has received these, the disbursement process will begin.

EAA will send a check directly to the flight school or post-secondary institution.*

For flight training scholarships, the first installment will be 40% of the total amount awarded. After certain benchmarks, the next 40% will be dispersed. Once you have completed the certification or rating you are pursuing, the remaining 20% will be awarded.

*Please note, you have one year from the date of your award to use the funds of an EAA scholarship if the scholarship is non-renewable. If not all money is used during this designated year, the money will revert back to the EAA Scholarship Fund.

Additional questions should be directed to Scholarships@EAA.org.

Available Scholarships


  • Jack Burnham Fund

    Supports students enrolled in a four-year college, university, or post-secondary school with emphasis on aviation field, such as aeronautics, engineering, or pilot training. Requires a minimum GPA of 2.5, with priority given to students from Jackson Hole High School in Wyoming.


  • Chaudoin Scholarship

    Supports a student enrolled in an aviation-focused accredited aviation program that leads to a career as an airline pilot. Required 3.0 GPA or greater; scholarship is renewable


  • Joe Clark Professional Pilot Scholarship

    Supports a University of North Dakota student who has declared professional pilot goals, who has a private pilot certificate, maintains at least a 3.0 GPA, and who has demonstrated financial need. Also funds and requires student to participate in EAA’s Air Academy each summer


  • Gerald Holland Scholarship

    Supports a graduating high school senior with a GPA of at least 3.3, a minimum of 75 hours of community service, who will be attending an accredited college or university that offers an undergraduate four-year degree in aviation management or aeronautical management, with a concentration or degree that focuses on the general aviation industry (non-pilot/flight training programs). Only available to U.S. citizens


  • Commander John Paradiso Scholarship for Women

    Supports young women and girls who have a sincere interest in pursuing their dreams of flight. Given to a student interested in participating in EAA-provided educational activities. Recommendation required from a local EAA chapter member, or an at-large EAA member


  • Robert F. Pauley Scholarship in Historic Aviation Research

    Available to a student who has an interest in or is completing coursework in historical aviation research, the history of aviation, early aeronautical innovation, or other similar related fields. Preference given to students from Western Michigan University, but may be awarded to a student from any university


  • Payzer Scholarship

    Given to a student attending a tech education focused program, who is pursuing a career in engineering, physical or biological sciences, or math, and has demonstrated financial need


  • Timothy Peterson Education Scholarship

    Supports a high-school aged student in their career-related aspirations in the field of aviation and related technology and skills, who has support and guidance of their local EAA chapter


  • David Alan Quick Scholarship

    A renewable scholarship that supports a junior or senior student pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering or aeronautical engineering


  • Corporate Aircraft Association Scholarship

    Supports a student enrolled in a post-secondary educational program with special emphasis or course work on the business aspects of the aviation industry, who also holds a private pilot certificate or is actively pursuing flight training. Given to a student with demonstrated financial need and who is actively supporting their own education financially.


To provide a better user experience, EAA uses cookies. To review EAA's data privacy policy or adjust your privacy settings please visit: Data and Privacy Policy.